2024-2025 Catalog 
    
    Dec 05, 2024  
2024-2025 Catalog

The Department of Teaching and Learning


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The UCCS College of Education’s Department of Teaching and Learning offers programs designed to prepare educators to embrace principles of equity, model and promote inquiry, and implement innovative practices to engage students and help them realize their full potential.

About the Department

The Department of Teaching & Learning supports current and aspiring teachers pursuing licenses, endorsements, certificates, and graduate-level education.

To learn more about the department’s faculty, including their expertise, research interests, and current courses, visit the website’s Department Directory page.

Vision and Mission Statement

We endeavor to be the foremost regional College of Education, fostering a just and inclusive global society.
We prepare teachers, leaders, and counselors who embrace equity, inquiry, and innovation.

The mission and goals of the College of Education and the Department of Teaching and Learning guide graduate students to not only develop and enhance the knowledge and skills expected in graduate study but also to provide a meaningful structure for supporting the essential elements of each program.

The model assumes that professional educators will serve as instructional leaders within their school lettings and that learning to teach is a developmental process. Teachers enhance their instructional leadership skills by increasing their professional knowledge base and reflecting on practice.

Goals

  • Ensure high-quality preparation of education and counseling professionals
  • Engage in research-based inquiry and practice
  • Provide continual professional growth opportunities
  • Infuse and enhance the use of technology
  • Embrace equity, diversity, and social justice
  • Collaborate with campus and community partners to effect change
  • Work across our college and university to optimize efficiency and effectiveness

Western Regional Graduate Program

Western Interstate Commission for High Education (WICHE)
The Department of Teaching & Learning at UCCS is recognized by WICHE through their Western Regional Graduate Program (WRGP). This program allows anyone from the 15 states in the Western region of the USA to receive special tuition rates. To learn more about the program, please visit the WICHE website.

Programs of Study

Undergraduate Programs

Undergraduate Certificates

The Elementary or Secondary Initial License Certificate Programs lead to a recommendation for an initial teaching license from the State of Colorado. These programs are available to both current undergraduate students within the UCCS College of Letters, Arts, and Sciences (LAS) and candidates who have already earned a baccalaureate degree.

 
The undergraduate Elementary Initial License Certificate program allows students to meet licensure requirements in elementary education (grades K-6). This program includes a one-year intensive combination of methods courses and fieldwork known as the Professional Year.

  
The undergraduate Secondary Initial License Certificate allows students to meet licensure requirements in secondary education (grades 7-12). The program includes an intensive combination of methods courses and extensive fieldwork required throughout the duration of the program.

Graduate Programs

   

The Master of Arts (MA) in Curriculum & Instruction program prepares graduate students to become skilled educators through innovative, ethical, and research-based methods.

Concentration Options:

  • Mathematics Education
  • Gifted and Talented Education

  

The MA in Special Education program at UCCS prioritizes innovative and inclusive education with high expectations for all students in general education. The program emphasizes universal design principles to ensure academic accessibility, focusing on recognizing student strengths and understanding diverse learning styles.

Concentration Options:

 
The Master of Arts (MA) program in Teaching English to Speakers of Other Languages (TESOL) is designed for teachers, paraprofessionals, and aspiring educators who have English Language Learners (ELLs) in their classrooms. This program equips them with the knowledge and skills needed to enhance their support for these students. Whether you work with individual students, small groups, or entire classes of ELLs, this program will be invaluable for you. 

 

Graduate Certificates, Endorsements, & Licensure Programs

 

Visit our website for more information on the endorsement and certificate programs.

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